2008 GSA shutting down completely when going from 1st to 2nd

Has anyone ever experienced their GSA shutting down completely when going from 1st to 2nd ?

It has happened at random times, but yesterday it happened just after I gassed up and while trying to take off at an intersection.

Not a good time for it to shut down, but it restarted just fine and it didn't do for the remainder of our ride.

I posted this to the BMW R1200GS Owners Facebook forum and got some suggestions:

• Ignition Switch could be faulty
• Side Stand Switch could be faulty
• Weak battery or battery requires charging (8 months old, kept on trickle charger when there are extended periods of non-riding, ruled that one out)

I did bypass the side stand switch in the hopes of narrowing down the issue. Was able to disconnect wires from the switch and kept them fully intact to include the terminal ends.

It's a 2008 GSA. Any other thoughts as to what it could be and/or what else to investigate?

Hmmm.....

Nothing, nada...crickets ?

Did you check for codes? Either a GS911 or at the dealer?
OM

I’ve had this happen. I have an 08 GS. Same description. Happened several times after getting gas. My issue was I slightly overfilled the gas tank and gas went into the canister. Since you said you just got gas, I’m guessing it’s same thing. Unbeknownst to me at that time, this is a common issue. Google canisterectony adv and you’ll get some solutions. I just stopped overfilling the tank and issue never reoccurred.

Good luck!

Omega Man said:

Did you check for codes? Either a GS911 or at the dealer?
OM

Click to expand...

Omega Man,

That was next on my list. I can have the dealer check the codes, don't know anyone with a GS911.

beckgr said:

I’ve had this happen. I have an 08 GS. Same description. Happened several times after getting gas. My issue was I slightly overfilled the gas tank and gas went into the canister. Since you said you just got gas, I’m guessing it’s same thing. Unbeknownst to me at that time, this is a common issue. Google canisterectony adv and you’ll get some solutions. I just stopped overfilling the tank and issue never reoccurred.

Good luck!

Click to expand...

beckgr,

Every time the bike has shut down it's been at very random times, no situation has been the same. I've filled up this bike dozens and dozens of times, but this was the first time it happened after a fill up. I can count on one hand the number of times the engine shut down, but none of the situations are similar.

Dave,

You might want to browse through: https://forums.bmwmoa.org/showthread.php?91518-09RT-still-a-sporadic-starter - and look at what the cause was. Could it be? Mebbe.

deilenberger said:

Dave,

You might want to browse through: https://forums.bmwmoa.org/showthread.php?91518-09RT-still-a-sporadic-starter - and look at what the cause was. Could it be? Mebbe.

Click to expand...

Thanks Don!

Interesting. I'll experiment with which way the front tire is facing while trying to start the bike.

Definitely something electrical

deilenberger said:

Dave,

You might want to browse through: https://forums.bmwmoa.org/showthread.php?91518-09RT-still-a-sporadic-starter - and look at what the cause was. Could it be? Mebbe.

Click to expand...

Played around with starting the bike last night and I'm convinced it's electrical. Started just fine, but head lights were flickering, taillight acting as if I was cycling the brakes, turned on the high beam and then it quit. Instrument panel went blank, no power.

Battery terminals tight and clean. I did not check the battery ground, but it was suggested by a co-worker who had a similar issue.

I'll check it out after work.

dsdragt said:

Played around with starting the bike last night and I'm convinced it's electrical. Started just fine, but head lights were flickering, taillight acting as if I was cycling the brakes, turned on the high beam and then it quit. Instrument panel went blank, no power.

Battery terminals tight and clean. I did not check the battery ground, but it was suggested by a co-worker who had a similar issue.

I'll check it out after work.

Click to expand...

Does anyone know where the battery ground is located ?
My research has found that it's under the gas tank, attached to the left side of the motor, near the alternator ?
Does that sound right ?
BTW... I have a 2008 model